At Elite Dental of Natick, we may recommend a
dental bridge to help improve your oral health and smile aesthetics. Thanks to technological advancements, there are several types of bridges available today. The type of bridge we recommend depends on your situation.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration option designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Most bridges consist of two
dental crowns that are linked together by a pontic (false tooth). Traditional bridges are attached to the surrounding teeth, known as the abutment teeth.
To place a traditional bridge, we must first prepare each surrounding tooth to receive a dental crown. This involves reshaping the enamel to accommodate the shape and size of each crown in the bridge. Once the teeth are reshaped, we take a molded impression of the area.
The impression of your newly shaped teeth will be used by our laboratory technicians to fabricate your final bridge. Most bridges these days are crafted together using porcelain, zirconia, or some other type of ceramic compound. These materials can be shaped, textured, and colored to match the appearance of natural enamel, while still providing a durable restoration.
The fabrication process may take several weeks to complete. While your final bridge is being created, we may provide you with a temporary restoration. Once your new bridge is ready, we will permanently bond it to your teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
In recent years, implant-supported bridges have exploded in popularity. This type of bridge follows the same basic principles as a traditional bridge with the use of
dental implants instead of abutment teeth. Dental implants have revolutionized the way we replace missing teeth.
An implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the root component of a prosthesis. During a minor surgery, we place the implant screw below the gum tissue and into the jawbone. After a brief healing period, Dr. Bethany Polnar can then attach the restoration to your implant posts.
Many implant-supported bridges require the placement of one implant for each missing tooth. However, in certain situations, it is also possible to suspend a pontic between two implant screws. Once in place, your new bridge should look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge provides a number of benefits. Some of these benefits include:
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Restoring your ability to properly chew and speak
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Restoring or improving the cosmetics of your smile
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Preventing your surrounding teeth from drifting out of their proper positions
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Maintaining a more youthful facial structure
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Properly distributing the forces of your bite |
An implant-supported bridge provides its unique advantages in addition to the ones listed above. Dental implants provide the physical stimulation needed to keep your jaw healthy and strong. Without this stimulation, the bone in your jaw may atrophy over time. Implants are the only replacement option that prevents bone deterioration.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment
If you are missing one or more teeth, you, too, could benefit from a dental bridge. Call (508) 319-9339 to schedule your consultation appointment today!
